Gukje Market

The current marketplace of Gukje Market first formed after the liberation of Korea from the Japanese administration when people gathered to trade overseas products left by the Japanese and brought in by Koreans who came back from abroad. Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living by selling smuggled or imported products, which developed into Gukje Market (gukje meaning "international" in Korean) of today. Gukje Market is one of Korea’s largest markets and a testament to Korea's modern history. The market is divided into two wings, and first-timers to the market are advised to be careful not to get lost in the maze-like alleys and halls.